School, Scout & Group Programs

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​​​Choose from two nature centers with customizable program offerings, or campgrounds and volunteer opportunities. Oakland County Parks can even get your group from Point A to Point B with our Mobile Recreation program.

​Field Trips and Nature Discovery

Schools can schedule nature center field trips, including the StarLab experience, and tailor the program content to specific topics. Age-appropriate programs satisfy Michigan grade level standards.

Naturalists can also bring interpretive programs, including StarLab, for all ages to your group year-round, depending on staff availability.

Camp Oak-ventures

Do your kids love adventures and exploring new places? Adventure Day Camp lets them explore the county parks, spending their time in the great outdoors. Campers may enjoy swimming at the waterparks, strolling trails through guided nature hikes, lying under the stars in the indoor StarLab, shooting archery, scaling a rock wall or soaring through the air on a zip line. Campers also spend their days running through inflatable obstacle courses, playing mini golf, doing crafts and participating in wacky games. Trained summer camp staff and Oakland County Parks and Recreation bus drivers will pick up participants and transport to and from the parks each day.

Camp Oak-ventures is a state licensed Day Camp program. All abilities are welcome to attend camps. Call 249-858-7759, 48 hours in advance if your child requires special accommodations.

Contact your local community to sign up. If your community is not listed, contact the closest community and join their campers.

Cost: $140 per camper. Camp registration includes t-shirt and all park entries and tickets throughout week of camp.

Age: 6-12 by first day of camp. Must have completed kindergarten by first day of camp.

Camp Schedule:

June 25-29July 9-13July 16-20July 30-Aug. 3Aug. 6-10Aug. 13-17

Registration deadline is Wednesday prior to the first day of camp.

Campers are required to bring each day a lunch, two snacks, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, socks, tennis shoes, bathing suit and towel. Camp is held rain or shine.

Scout Badge Days

Badge Days for Cub and Girl scouts of all levels are offered at Red Oaks and Wint nature centers. The interactive, hands-on programs allow scouts to satisfy all requirements for various badges.

Eagle Scout Projects​

The parks are a great location for Eagle Scout projects. From bluebird nest boxes to trail enhancements, Eagle Scout candidates can make a real contribution to the local community. Contact the park supervisor (link to Contacts page) at the location of interest to you.

Can't Get Here from There?

Use an Oakland County Parks & Recreation bus. Special bus rental rates are available to school groups. Book buses for your next field trip by calling 248-858-0916.

Are you in charge of the picnic this year?

A​s an end-of the-school-year/season picnic in your future? Addison Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks and Red Oaks feature picnic shelters with cooking grills as well as playgrounds, hiking trails, swimming beach, boating, fishing and even nature centers. Two waterparks offer a splashing good time as well as picnic areas. Consider adding a Mobile Recreation unit for loads of supervised fun!

Waterpark Destinations

Book your group at the Red Oaks or Waterford Oaks​ Waterpark for a day of fun and celebration. With giant waterslides, wave-action pools and spray areas for smaller visitors, it's the perfect location. Reserve a picnic shelter and even grab your favorite Blue Water Grill concession. Call 248-858-0916 at least one week in advance to make reservations.